Blogging: 8 Ugly Truths

Whether you are blogging as a hobby or do it full time as work, I’m certain you are all too familiar with the responsibilities that go along with it.  And while the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages, there are still some ugly truths to blogging.  Why write a post on it though?  Well, because I was never big on denial.  And as a veteran in the blog-o-sphere, I felt responsible to let all the newbies out there know the truth, or should I say “truths”! Yeah, they may be ugly, but you’ll find them helpful as well.  And that’s what this post is really about: educating and helping you!

Working long hours could cost you your health

First, a little about me…

Before Alivia came along, I worked as a Quality Assurance Representative for IBM. It was a challenging position for me since it was out of my field of expertise.  Of course, I would never turn down an opportunity to learn something new and acquire different skills than what had been on my resume for the past 10 years.  It was particularly a no-brainer for me moving into the position as it was something I most certainly had interest in.  I had no doubt, I would grow to, not only love it but, be great at it as well!

Beauty Tips and Tricks; I’m sharing it all!

I was getting ready last weekend to go to a birthday party and realized that my routine consisted of various beauty tips and tricks that I’ve acquired over the years.  Some are my own, while others were picked up from beauty school or from participating in pageants when I was younger.  And before Alivia came along I was an avid Cosmopolitan, Vogue, InStyle, and Mademoiselle reader so you can imagine the tips, trends, and tricks I’ve learned from these magazines alone!  I used to clip and keep them in a beauty binder to reference them later.  Particularly the cosmetic images that I used as inspiration to apply my own makeup.  And although this is a bit different than the usual topics I blog about, I thought I’d share my beauty tips and tricks with all of you! 

The many uses of the Origami box - make one yourself!

If you’re a regular over here at Cropped Stories, I bet you read my post title and are thinking this is random.  Yes, it is unlike the usual topics I cover over here, but I felt the need to share something creative and artsy with you today!  With that said, I have a little secret to tell you… 

I like to dabble in the creative world of Origami.  In fact, I published a post in August of last year, Getting my craft on, showing off some of my work.  I was so excited with my creations that I had to share them with my readers!  And being that it was my first attempt at the craft, I was  especially proud of myself!  I was surprised how addicting it was and have been doing it sporadically throughout the year.  When I first started, I was addicted to making pinwheels and flowers.  They were the perfect party décor for my toddler’s 2nd birthday!

Easy to make Candied Teriyaki Chicken Wings!

Do you guys like chicken wings?  I sure hope so because I’ve got the best chicken wing recipe for you today!  And although it’s a cavity waiting to happen (you’ll see why), on the flip side it’s easy, quick, and finger lickin’ good!  These wings have always been a BIG hit at any event!  The trick, of course, is to cook them long enough so that the meat falls off the bone.  My hand written recipe is titled “Mom’s Chicken Wings” so I’m assuming it is in fact my moms, but I swear the first time I tried these was at my brother’s house when his ex wife made them years and years ago.  I actually mentioned this to my mom and it seemed like she wasn’t sure herself that’s why I don’t feel bad telling you all.  Of course, whatever the case may be, one thing I know for sure is that they are in a word “AWESOME”!  Oh, and addicting too!  Definitely addicting!

If you can believe it, we’ve gone through the years calling them “Mom’s Chicken Wings” but if you ask me, that doesn’t really describe them very well!  So today I name them!

Does your child respect their things?

Are you teaching your kids to respect their things?  I think it’s an important lesson to teach and one they should most definitely learn.  What got me to thinking about this topic?  Good question.  I was recently having  a conversation with another mom who happened to mention having to buy a new kindle for their tot.  When I asked why (assuming there was something wrong with the product), she shocked me with her answer.  She went on to say that her little one had thrown and stepped on it multiple times, brushing the statement off casually as if that’s what toddlers do.  My immediate thought was “really”?  You’ve got to be kidding me.  Am I on candid camera?  Where are the video cameras at?

Six things I do to every photo!

I watched this you tube video the other day about 5 edits made to every photo.  It was quite informative.  I love to learn how others are processing their photos.  It made me think of the 5 things I do to every photo I process.  I thought I’d share them here with you today (okay so I’ve shared six)!  Maybe we have common editing styles?  If not, maybe you can learn from me and me from you?  What do you say?

I’d love to hear your editing recipes!  Or maybe the one thing you can’t live without doing to every photo?

My editing process below is based on images of people.